Phillip Buchanon suspended for four games

Buchanon released a statement this afternoon through his publicist, Lauren Renschler of EAG Sports Management.

“I’m excited to return to the Washington Redskins and continue to be part of this great organization,” the statement read. “I look forward to putting the suspension behind me, returning to the field and helping my team.”

Redskins’ cornerback Phillip Buchanon will be suspended for the first four games of the season, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday.

The coach declined to reveal the reason for the suspension issued by the league, and an NFL official didn’t immediately reply to an inquiry seeking more information.

Buchanon, who will turn 31 next month, is entering his 10th season. The University of Miami product was a free agent, but on Monday agreed to terms on a new deal to return to Washington for a second season.

“I’ve always been a big Phillip Buchanon fan,” said Shanahan, who said he knew of the suspension before the team re-signed the cornerback. “I like the way he handles himself and the way he works. He’s what you look for in a football player. Obviously, we’re going to miss him in the first four games. It’s always tough to lose a guy for that period of time. But he’ll be here for the rest of the season.”

Shanahan said the suspension “came down a while back,” from the NFL. Buchanon wasn’t made available to the media after Tuesday’s practice. He was attending a workout session.

Mike Jones covers the Washington Redskins for The Washington Post. When not writing about a Redskins development of some kind – which is rare – he can be found screaming and cheering at one of his kids’ softball, baseball, soccer or basketball games.